[Colofornian]

From the article: So why, in the end, did Christ Covenant reject the Stokes' application to be Scout leaders? Because they're Mormons. And, therefore, not real Christians, church officials told the couple last month.

Before anybody gets their special protective underwear in a wad, the article also cites the Boy Scouts saying the church was within its rights as a chartering organization and turnabout wonderment on this is fair play...IOW do the Mormon chartered Boy Scouts organizations allow non-Mormons to be leaders? (Maybe somebody out there knows)

The journalist did a good job in bringing out both of those issues:

From the article: Nationally, the Mormon church has a close relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. What is the Mormon church's rules about appointing Scout leaders? Mormon Bishop Rowlan, who heads the Stokes' Weddington church, would not say whether he would be open to naming a non-Mormon as a Scouting leader."I'd have to take each one on an individual basis," he said, adding that that is the policy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

From the article: Turner, executive director of Mecklenburg's Boy Scouts Council, said Christ Covenant is within its rights as a chartering organization to apply additional leadership qualifications, as long as it also honors those the Boy Scouts insist on. Some of the Boy Scouts' national guidelines have also been controversial and, to some, discriminatory. Because the Boy Scout pledge includes fealty to God and country, no atheists and agnostics can be members or leaders. Neither can homosexuals

So, just as a church wants a theist (vs. an atheist) leader. I would think they could insist upon a theist leader vs. a Mormon polytheist leader. (True Believing Mormons are polytheists...they believe many gods exist...they even have a hymn to a "Mom god" in heaven...and they believe they will become a god, adding to the universal god population). I guess the Q is: Do we really want polytheist Boy Scout leaders who don't know the Ultimate God?

[television is just wrong]

in the council I worked in, LDS is very strong. I find this strange.

[donozark]

Lets see...Mormons can be US Marines. Airborne. Business leaders. Politicians. But no, not Boy Scout leaders. Seems plausible./s

[Dilbert San Diego]

But isn’t the Boy Scouts a secular organization? I know they talk about the importance of “reverence” and being “morally straight”. I thought that the Scouts encouraged religious faith, meaning you should be active in whatever your faith happens to be, not that the Scouts expect someone to be of a certain religion.

[Colofornian]

From the article: "Boy Scouts is a ministry of our church," said Sylvia, the church's pastor for Christian Education and Young Families. "We want to insure that what Scout leaders) believe is consistent with our denominational viewpoint." For Sylvia, that at least means that Scout leaders must believe in the Apostles' Creed - a profession of faith dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.

How ironic. Here, when you read the Apostles Creed from Mormon eyes, there really isn't anything objectionable in that creed from a Mormon perspective. (As long as people understand that the word "catholic" in that creed doesn't mean "Roman Catholic" -- as "Catholic" simply means "universal.") What that would mean is, that if any Protestant church only had that as the hoop to jump over, any Mormon could really say they believe, remain true to their beliefs, and then the Protestant church would need to pinpoint differences of belief beyond that creed.

Except for one thing. By a Mormon saying they agree to the Apostles Creed, they actually would simultaneously call Joseph Smith a false prophet. How does that happen? Well, in the very first "vision" Smith had of two unnamed "personages" who appeared to him, he say one of them told him ALL (as in 100%) of the creeds of the Christian sects were an "abomination" to him. There's the Nicene Creed. The Apostles Creed. The Athanasian Creed. Those are the three creeds. And the Apostles Creed is the one of the three that Mormons should have no objection to. Yet Smith said it's an "abomination;" even though I cannot find anything in it that a Mormon would find abominable!

That means either that: (a) These personages hadn't read the Apostles Creed and didn't know what was in it [does that sound like a god or Jesus appearing ?]
(b) These "personages" who were unidentified by Smith in the Pearl of Great Price weren't divine at all. I mean come one, who would really say that 100% of Christianity's creeds were offensive to them -- other than demonic beings themselves who were masquerading as angels?

[null and void]

So, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not Christian?

OooooooKAY!

[Colofornian]

From the article: So why, in the end, did Christ Covenant reject the Stokes' application to be Scout leaders? Because they're Mormons. And, therefore, not real Christians, church officials told the couple last month.The Rev. Gabe Sylvia, Christ Covenant's staff liaison to the Scouting program, confirmed the Stokes' account. He called them to apologize but defends the church's decision."Based on a once-over, informal scan, it looked like the Stokes would be good additions to our leadership," he said. "But when it became clear that they were Mormons, they could not become leaders in our pack. Mormonism is not consistent with historical Christianity." That view - that Mormons are not Christians - is shared by other Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches. Mormons, though, do call themselves Christians.

Indeed. Mormonism is a cult. Good for these Presbyterians for standing up. And, oh, yet another irony: Here, Joseph Smith in his first vision (which Mormons have now made into "scripture"), specifically singled out the Presbyterians and claimed: "I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true." (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History, v. 20) So the irony here is that Smith labeled Presbyterianism as false 175 years ago...and we're not supposed to have a hue and cry or offense over that!!! But if the reverse happens, and if Presbyterians label Mormonism as untrue (and unlike Mormons, doesn't call it "Scripture,"), offense is taken by this family and by the Mormon bishop in this story...and I'm sure by many other Mormons! (Can you spell "two-face?")

[Colofornian]

From the article: Bishop Steven Rowlan of the LDS ward, or parish, which the Stokes attend in Weddington, acknowledged that Mormon theology diverges from some beliefs shared by most Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox Christians. But he insisted members of the LDS church are as Christian as the members of Christ Covenant. "Yes, there are distinct differences," he said. "But not with respect to being a Christian. We definitely and truly are Christians in every sense of the word." Not true, say Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches. They point to the LDS church's extra-biblical scriptures (Mormons abide by the Bible and the Book of Mormon). Mormons also reject the professions of faith, or Christian creeds, that are recited on Sundays in many Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches.

Oh, the ironies never seem to stop in this story: Here supposedly the Mormon bishop "insisted members of the LDS church are as Christian as the members of Christ Covenant." Yet, if you read official Mormon doctrine as to how they regard Presbyterians, they are untrue per Joseph Smith's first vision (v. 20 of Joseph Smith History). And all Christians are "apostates," says Mormon doctrines. That would mean that what this bishop is really saying is that members of the LDS churach are as "apostate" as members of Christian churches...if you take Mormon doctrine as true, that is!!!

Hey, having pictures of a person whom Lds apostles have said is a "saved being" in your living room doesn't make you a Christian. Trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation is what is key. And as long as Mormons hold to verses from the Book of Mormon like 2 Nephi 25:23: "ye are saved by grace AFTER ALL YOU CAN DO, then trust is falling upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation...trust is a self-trust based on "ALL YOU CAN DO."

[Uri’el-2012]

It sounds like the Christ Covenant Church is unfamiliar
with and does not practice Yah'shua's lovingkindness.

shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach

[kalee]

I had a similar experience with a PCA congregation. I started a homeschool group that outgrew the place where we were meeting so one of the members of the group asked her PCA church if we could meet there. They agreed as long as the group adopted a statement of faith and PCA leadership.
I said NO thanks. Why would I have put years into this group to be told neither I not my child would be welcome?
BTW, I’m not Mormon, I’m Anglican!

[NEMDF]

At one time some years ago, I spent a week staying at the home of and caring for the 4 children of someone I worked with, who happened to be Mormon. Several of the family's “friends” and those who went to their “church” called or stopped by. All of them made some comments or questions as to whether I was Mormon, why would they allow a non-Mormon the stay with their kids, how did I know the family, etc. It was clear to me that they did not consider me “good enough” to be taking care of the children and household of this couple.

If Christ Covenant church requires that scouts groups be lead by real Christians, it would seem to be their prerogative to make that stipulation.

[Graybeard58]

"I have a picture of Jesus in my living room."

Doesn't that just settle the whole question?

By the way, I don't believe I have a picture of what people presume to be Jesus in my whole house. Am I unChristian? I think not! After all, Jesus lives here.

[reaganaut]

breaking out the popcorn placemarker

[Pan_Yan]

Free association is such a difficult concept for so many people.

[reaganaut]

"It was so offensive," said Jodi Stokes, who was raised Catholic, then became a Mormon. "I have a picture of Jesus in my living room."

And, she added, look at the formal name of their church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This just says it all. Mormons PLAY at being Christians, they think that they are Christians because they have a picture of Jesus and His name in their organization. They don't get that it isn't about appearances, it is about beliefs and their beliefs are an insult to Jesus Christ.

They are like 5 year olds playing 'house', they say the words, act out what they observe but don't really get it.

[TexasRepublic]

This whole thing is wrong on several points. Let me preface by saying I am pro-scouting and pro-/Judeo-Christian. They both foster a positive spiritual and secular culture that this country is fast losing. However, I don’t find any scriptural command in the Bible that churches should be promoting organizations outside of the church itself. The churches should stick with their original mission. Although I am a total skeptic of the origins and doctrine of Mormonism, I have no doubt of their “Christian” morality and decency. To exclude them from scouting leadership is ridiculous and too divisive. Parents that are so concerned their kids might be influenced by the “wrong things” in public ought to be more proactive in first training them at home.

[Alex Murphy]

Before anybody gets their special protective underwear in a wad....

ROTFL!

....the article also cites the Boy Scouts saying the church was within its rights as a chartering organization and turnabout wonderment on this is fair play....

This makes me wonder if some Mormons were encouraging disrespect of BSA chartering rules among other Mormons, by going to the press with this story.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“What upset the Stokes family most was
the church questioning their Christianity.”

Ha!

Whether they should be “scout leaders” or not is
one issue.

Mormonism isn’t even close to Christianity.

Christians do not believe Christ was created.
Christians do not believe in multiple gods (infinite number)
Christians do not believe people become gods of their own planet.
Christians do not believe there is a “council of gods”
Christians do not believe in celestial sex to create spirit children
Christians do not believe there is a Heavenly Mother that breeds with Heavenly Father...

and that’s just for starters.

ampu

[Vendome]

First off, Mormons call themselves Christians but they will never say you are one too. If they wanted to be taken seriously they would say we are all Christians, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, etc. But where the real disconnect comes is that if you are not a member of the Mormon Church, you can't enter. So is it even possible for a Boy Scout group to be sponsored in a LDS church and have BSA's of other faiths as part of the pack? I somehow doubt it but please tell me if it does happen. Further, they are so doctrinally different from Protestant and Catholic faiths, it would be hard to communicate with them on spiritual issues as we are from wholly different doctrines. We don't believe you can compete with a God that shall have no others before him. They believe you can become one of many gods. We believe there is but one Savior, Jesus Christ. They believe there are two and your faith in both is required. Joseph Smith will examine your passport and determine if your are worthy to enter heaven or kolob I forget. This despite God telling us there is none worthy, no not one and no man cometh to the father but by me(Jesus) I could go on and on but there is no parity of Christianity with Mormonism and they make it clear. They do not say "We are Christians too!" They will say "We are Christians". See the difference? It's subtle but there it is. Oh, and I was ready to defend this Mormon family right up until I read the "We are Christians" and "I have a picture of Jesus in my living room". Still left out the part "We are Christians too" or "Like you, we are Christians", etc. In fact, so we are clear, they are clear in their description of Christianity and they most decidedly NOT on the same team:

"What is it that inspires professors of Christianity generally with a hope of salvation? It is that smooth, sophisticated influence of the devil, by which he deceives the whole world"
- Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 270

"...all the priests who adhere to the sectarian religions of the day with all their followers, without one exception, receive their portion with the devil and his angels."
- Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. , The Elders Journal, v. 1, no. 4, p. 60

"With a regard to true theology, a more ignorant people never lived than the present so-called Christian world."
- Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, v. 8, p.

"Christians—those poor, miserable priests brother Brigham was speaking about—some of them are the biggest whoremasters there are on the earth, and at the same time preaching righteousness to the children of men. The poor devils, they could not get up here and preach an oral discourse, to save themselves from hell; they are preaching their fathers' sermons —preaching sermons that were written a hundred years before they were born. ...You may get a Methodist priest to pour water on you, or sprinkle it on you, and baptize you face foremost, or lay you down the other way, and whatever mode you please, and you will be damned with your priest.
- Apostle Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, v. 5, p. 89

"What! Are Christians ignorant? Yes, as ignorant of the things of God as the brute beast."
- Prophet John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, v. 13, p. 225

"Both Catholics and Protestants are nothing less than the ‘whore of Babylon' whom the Lord denounces by the mouth of John the Revelator as having corrupted all the earth by their fornications and wickedness. Any person who shall be so corrupt as to receive a holy ordinance of the Gospel from the ministers of any of these apostate churches will be sent down to hell with them, unless they repent."
- Apostle Orson Pratt, The Seer, p. 255

"After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there were only two churches upon the earth. They were known respectively as the Church of the Lamb of God and Babylon. The various organizations which are called churches throughout Christendom, though differing in their creeds and organizations, have one common origin. They all belong to Babylon."
- Apostle George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth, p. 324

“Believers in the doctrines of modern Christendom will reap damnation to their souls.”
- Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, see pp. 45-46

"I was answered that I must join none of them (Christian Churches), for they were all wrong...that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight" (Joseph Smith History 1:19).

"...orthodox Christian views of God are Pagan rather than Christian." (Mormon Doctrine of Deity by B.H. Roberts, p.116)

[Pan_Yan]

So that no one is confused BSA is not a strictly Christian organization nor are they anti Mormon. But the charter organizations of each troop have the final say in who they chose as leaders.

[AZHSer]

Whats good for the goose is good for the gander. In the 60s my husband moved to Warden, WA. He had been active in scouts and wanted to continue. Unfortunately the only program at the time was sponsored by the Mormon church. They wouldn't let him in unless he became Mormon. At least these folks had other options.